Late Demirovic stunner clinches VfB win

Match summary

It was an evenly contested encounter from the outset between two in-form teams at the MHP Arena. Freiburg’s Yuito Suzuki had the first sight of goal in the fourth minute with a long-range effort that fizzed just over the bar, but as the match wore on, Sebastian Hoeneß’s men became increasingly dominant and seized control of proceedings.

VfB misfire

And they duly started to create goalscoring chances: Josha Vagnoman’s header from a corner was thwarted by Noah Atubolu (20’), before Matthias Ginter hooked Deniz Undav’s shot – that appeared bound for the bottom left-hand corner – off the line (28’). Undav squandered two more openings (31’, 34’), while Atubolu also kept out a close-range Nikolas Nartey header.

Goalless at the break

The visitors had one more opportunity just before the interval when Derry Scherhant was able to get a shot away inside the box (43’), but he was unable to put it on target, leaving the score 0-0 at the break.

El Khannouss denied by Atubolu

VfB had the first chance of the second half within seconds of the restart when Nartey’s inch-perfect pass found Bilal El Khannouss inside the penalty area, but his shot from the edge of the six-yard box was saved by the Freiburg goalkeeper.

Demirovic wins it

Stuttgart remained the dominant side in the second half, forcing their guests onto the back foot. Freiburg’s rearguard held firm until the 90th minute when Undav tore into space on the left and crossed into the middle. He found Ermedin Demirovic lurking on the edge of the area, and the substitute lashed a superb half-volley into the top-right corner.

Alex Nübel was called into action in stoppage time, making a fine point-blank save to frustrate Bruno Ogbus and help preserve a narrow but deserved victory for VfB.

Goals

90^th minute: Undav’s cross from the left arrives at the feet of Demirovic, who loops a stunning shot into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.